Pages

Search This Blog

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Staying Motivated During Your Job Search

Job seekers are still struggling to find work. According to the Labor Department, new jobless claims rose for the first time in three weeks this week. Staying motivated during the job search is hard especially if you have been searching for a long time.

Despite this gloomy economy, talented and hard working people are getting hired every day. Having motivation is the key to your success. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated.

1) Maintain a Positive Attitude
Negativity is a big motivation killer. When negative thoughts or doubt creeps into your mind, visualize your success and yourself at your new job. Inspirational quotes and stories of successful people you admire can also help you to stay positive.

2) Build a Support Network
Job searching in a poor economy is not an easy task. You need a few personal cheerleaders to encourage you and help you maintain a positive attitude. Find a friend or family member that you can talk to when you are feeling down. They can give you advice or help you think of new job search strategies. You can also join a job search support group or start one.

3) Learn How to Handle Rejection
Not receiving any job offers or getting any interviews can make you feel like you are nothing, but everybody gets rejected at some point in life. Do not take it personal. Recruiters have a specific person in mind for a job. If you are rejected, then that job was not for you and there is a better job out there for you. Use rejection as an opportunity to get feedback on how you can improve your job applications.

4) Set a Schedule
Looking for jobs nonstop will leave you burned out. Set aside a few hours at a time where you look for new job leads, make follow-up calls, send e-mails, apply for jobs, and connect with people in your network. Take breaks in between activities. Make sure you conduct part of your search during normal business hours.

5) Network.
Attend networking events. Do not limit yourself to events that are in your field. You never know what people or job leads individuals in other fields may know. Connect with people in your network by going to lunch with them or doing informational interviews. They can offer you advice and share their job leads.

6) Learn a New Skill
Learning a new skill keeps you busy and makes you more marketable in the job market. Seek out classes, attend workshops, or simply read books. Volunteering is also another way you can learn a new skill. Offer your services to a nonprofit organization or a small business owner that could use your help.

7) Manage Stress and Enjoy Life.
Have fun to relieve stress. Do activities you enjoy. Spend time with family and friends. Exercising is also a good way to manage stress.

Remember, you are not defined by your job or occupation. You are defined by your character.